NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 11/18/09 -- Paul W. Garrity has joined the New York office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as a partner in the firm's Intellectual Property practice group. Garrity was previously a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP in New York.

Garrity specializes in intellectual property litigation. He has litigated disputes involving trademark infringement, patent infringement, false advertising, trade secrets, copyright infringement, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), dilution, trade dress, parallel imports and counterfeiting before federal courts across the United States and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Additionally, Garrity has significant emerging media experience in areas such as behavioral targeting networks, search engine advertising and user-generated content. His litigation experience includes disputes involving domain names and cybersquatting, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and keyword advertising.

Garrity also counsels clients on the establishment, exploitation and maintenance of their intellectual property portfolios, including domestic and foreign trademark clearance and prosecution. His counseling experience extends to the areas of licensing, advertising, copyright and right of publicity. Garrity's transactional practice involves software development, Web site development, outsourcing and intellectual property due diligence.

"Paul adds significantly to our formidable IP practice and much of his experience dovetails well with our existing strengths in a number of areas, including the technology, media, and fashion sectors. Paul's industry knowledge and experience are of great value to clients. Intellectual property is a marquee practice area we continue to grow," said Guy Halgren, chairman of the firm.

Commented Garrity, "Sheppard Mullin is a top-notch firm with a thriving IP practice. The quality of people convinced me that the firm, and its New York office, is the perfect home for me and my practice. I look forward to practicing with my friends and former colleagues, partners Jon Stoler and Rob Friedman," Garrity said.

Garrity received a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1994 and a B.A. from College of the Holy Cross in 1989.

Sheppard Mullin has more than 40 attorneys based in its New York office and the firm's IP practice group includes 75 attorneys firmwide.

About Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard Mullin is a full service AmLaw 100 firm with 550 attorneys in 11 offices located in the United States and Asia. Since 1927, companies have turned to Sheppard Mullin to handle corporate and technology matters, high stakes litigation and complex financial transactions. In the U.S., the firm's clients include more than half of the Fortune 100. For more information, please visit www.sheppardmullin.com.